What Should Be on a Business Sign?

If you’ve ever stood in front of a blank canvas (or shopfront) wondering what your signage should say — you’re not alone. One of the most common questions we get at Project Group in Castleford and Glasshoughton is: “What exactly should go on my business sign?”

And the honest answer is: it depends.

What works brilliantly for a street-facing shop sign might be totally wrong for an internal wall sign or a vehicle wrap. So before jumping into fonts and logos, it’s important to think about what you want the sign to do, where it’s going, and how people will view it.

Here’s a breakdown to help you figure out exactly what should be on your business sign — and how the Project Group team can help you get it just right.

Want to work out what should be on your business sign? Start with your sign’s purpose

Every sign has a job to do. Some need to shout and grab attention, while others simply support your brand or help people find their way.

Ask yourself:

• Is this sign supposed to attract passing customers?

• Is it providing information (like opening times or directions)?

• Is it part of a wider brand presence?

• Is it a temporary sign for an event or sale?

The purpose will shape what goes on it — and just as importantly, what doesn’t.

What to include (and when to include it)

While there’s no one-size-fits-all checklist, here are the most common (and most important) elements to consider:

1. Business Name

This one’s obvious — but how you show it matters. We’ll help you decide:

• Whether to use your full name or an abbreviation

• How to display your logo clearly and professionally

• Which font styles best reflect your brand identity

Tip: A legible, well-placed business name is crucial for shopfront signs, vehicle livery, and directional signs.

2. What You Do

If your business name doesn’t make it clear, a short tagline or description helps potential customers know exactly what you offer.

For example:

• “Creative Florist & Gifts”

• “Specialist Physiotherapy Clinic”

• “Award-Winning Barbershop”
  

You’ve only got a few seconds to grab attention — clarity matters.

3. Contact Details (if relevant)

This can include:

• Phone number

• Website URL

• Social media handles
  

For larger signs or vehicle wraps, including your website is often enough — especially when space is limited.

4. Call to Action (CTA)

If appropriate, add a simple instruction:

• “Call now”

• “Visit us online”

• “Book a table”

• “Drop in today”
  

This is particularly effective for vinyl window graphics or event signage.

Less is more — especially from a distance

One of the most common mistakes we see (and fix!) is trying to include too much information.

Remember:

• People on the street only glance at your sign for a second or two.

• Car drivers passing a wrapped vehicle won’t be able to read tiny text or cluttered designs.
  

That’s why professional signage design is so important. At Project Group, we know how to make your sign stand out, stay readable, and send the right message.

Consider the location and type of signage

The physical location and sign type will determine how much information to include and how it's presented.

For example:

• Shop fascia signs need to be bold and readable from across the street.

• Window graphics may include more detail if foot traffic stops to read them.

• Indoor office signage can focus more on branding and aesthetics.

• Vehicle wraps should be short, punchy, and high-contrast to be effective on the move.

• Event and pop-up signage can feature dates, limited-time offers, or QR codes.
  

Let Project Group get it right for you

Designing a business sign isn’t just about picking a font and slapping your logo on it. It’s about creating something that works hard for your business — whether that’s attracting new customers, directing people into your space, or boosting brand awareness in your local area.

At Project Group, we don’t just produce signage — we:

• Design it with purpose

• Consider your location and audience

• Offer expert guidance on layout, content, and materials

• Install it for maximum impact
  

We proudly work with businesses across Castleford, Glasshoughton, Wakefield, Pontefract and beyond — helping them stand out with signage that’s as strategic as it is stylish.

Not sure what to put on your sign?

We offer consultations and design mock-ups to help you make the right decision.

Get in touch today and let’s create signage that truly speaks for your business.